Joni Ernst

Republican junior Senator of Iowa

Senator
Iowa
January 6, 2015 - January 3, 2021
Senator
Iowa
January 3, 2021 - January 3, 2027

202-224-3254

@SenJoniErnst

ernst.senate.gov

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Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1970 (54 years old)

Birthday

Served as the junior United States senator since 2015
Previously served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and as auditor of Montgomery County from 2004 to 2011
Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee since 2023, making her the fourth-ranking Republican in the Senate
Graduated from Iowa State University and holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University
Served in the United States Army Reserve and the Iowa Army National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel
Served as a commanding officer during the Iraq War
First woman elected to represent Iowa in either house of Congress
Known for being a reliable ally of President Donald Trump
Opposes legalizing abortion, supports fetal personhood amendment, and introduced legislation to defund Planned Parenthood
Opposes the Affordable Care Act and has called for reforms to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security
Expressed concern over Trump’s trade war with China and criticized some aspects of his foreign policy
Voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Supports both of Trump’s nominees for EPA administrator but expressed concern over their commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard
Rejects the scientific consensus on climate change
Opposed a federal minimum wage and advocated for the elimination of several federal departments
Served as a logistics officer in the military and received several awards for her service
Has been involved in controversies over her stance on various issues, including climate change and healthcare reform
Has a history of military service and political involvement in Iowa